UC Berkeley police have issued a "safety alert" following several mountain lion sightings in the hills above the Berkeley campus.

The alert was sent via email to the campus community late Wednesday, following the most recent sighting that morning of a cougar walking away from a building at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The notice included tips on how to respond in encounters with mountain lions and how to avoid them.

Here is the alert from the campus police department:

On Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at approximately 8:22 a.m., a mountain lion was sighted walking away from a building at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory.  In recent months several sightings of mountain lions have occurred in the hills above the Berkeley campus and carcasses of animals suspected to have been attacked by mountain lions have also been discovered.

To reduce the chances of encountering a Mountain Lion:

• Avoid hiking alone, especially between dusk and dawn, when lions normally do their hunting. Make plenty of noise while you hike so as to reduce the chances of surprising a lion.

• Always keep children in sight while hiking and within arm's reach in areas that can conceal a lion. Mountain Lions seem to be drawn to children. 
• Hike with a good walking stick; this can be useful in warding off a lion.

To reduce the chances of an attack when encountering a Mountain Lion:

• Do not approach a lion, especially if it is feeding or with its young. Most lions will avoid confrontation. Give them a way to escape.

• Stay calm and face the lion. Do not run because this may trigger the lion's instinct to attack. Try to appear larger by raising your hands.

• Pick up small children so they don't panic and run. This will also make you appear larger. Avoid bending over or crouching.

• If the lion acts aggressively, throw rocks, branches, or whatever can be obtained without turning your back or bending over.

• Fight back if attacked. Since a mountain lion usually tries to bite the head or neck, try to remain standing and face the attacking animal. People have successfully fought back with rocks, sticks, or bare hands.

As with any emergency situation call 9-1-1, or 510.642.3333 from a cell phone.